The potentially deadly condition women are getting from spin class

If you’ve ever signed yourself up for a spin class you’ll know how intense it can be. It’s heart-thumping, sweat drenching stuff.

The majority of people leave a little out of breath and sore from cycling. But there has been a spate of reported cases recently, were spinners have developed a rare but deadly condition from the high-intensity regime.

Called, rhabdomyolysis, it occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases a protein called myoglobin into the blood.

Pic: Shutterstock

When this substance leaks into the blood system it can cause kidney failure.

New York based doctor Maureen Brogan, MD, who has treated three cases rhabdomyolysis wrote about the condition in a November 2016 report and noted several key similarities:

In all three cases it was brought on by a high-intensity spin class, all three patients were newbie spinners, and the vigorous workout took a toll on the largest muscles in the body like their thighs and glutes (bums).

Bascially, when these large muscles don’t receive enough oxygen they release myoglobin into the blood.

The symptoms associated with the condition include muscle pain in the shoulders, thighs, or lower back; muscle weakness or trouble moving arms and legs; and dark red or brown urine or decreased urination.

You can also suffer from abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, increased heart rate, confusion, dehydration and lack of consciousness.

But Dr. Brogan states there is no need to be afraid of spin classes or any high intensity exercise for that matter.

‘Spinning is great exercise,’ Dr Brogan told TODAY. ‘But people should be aware they need to take it slow in the beginning. There should be some guidelines.’

She suggested ways to prevent the condition developing like taking things gradually when taking on high impact exercises, keep your body hydrated and talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms like: